Mammals & Marsupials
Australia has over 450 species of mammals (both land and water based) that are divided up into marsupials, monotremes and placentals. Almost half of Australia’s mammals are marsupials meaning they have a pouch which protects and feeds (from the teat) their young. Monotremes are the world’s only egg-laying mammals which include only the echidna and platypus. They have an opening for reproduction and disposal of waste. Placental mammals are represented by about 4 000 species notably rodents and bats. Their young have been nourished prior to birth by the placenta and are born live.

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